Espanyol lose appeal against Barcelona's use of Robert Lewandowski

Espanyol's appeal against Barcelona for the alleged improper fielding of Robert Lewandowski has been rejected by the La Liga Appeals Committee.

Lewandowski played the full 90 minutes as Barça drew 1-1 with their city rivals on December 31, despite picking up two yellow cards in his previous appearance against Osasuna in the final game before the World Cup break.

However, it was known by all parties that the striker's ban wouldn't come into force until the Blaugrana faced Atletico Madrid on January 8 in a decision made public on December 29 as Barça appealed the suspension.

But Espanyol still questioned Lewandowski's inclusion in their Derbi Barceloní clash and lodged an appeal to have Barça's point from the match stripped away. That has, unsurprisingly, been rejected with the Appeals Committee branding it as 'lacking any competence'.

Though further punishment of Lewandowski always seemed very unlikely, Barcelona will be relieved to see this decision in writing. The Poland international has been in red-hot form this season, scoring 23 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions, including five in six since returning from the World Cup.

Barcelona currently sit five points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table ahead of this Sunday's clash at home to Sevilla.